In Srinagar’s Aquatic Plaza around the lake. The lake itself is connected to a number of other lakes of the valley. It is well known for its shikaras or houseboats. Most of the House Boats are around in Dal Lake. From the Lake one can see the Historic Shankara Charya Hill in the east and the west Hari Parbat.
The Jewel of Srinagar, the Dal Lake is synonymous to a visit to Srinagar and is almost a visual definition of the town. Spread over 15 kms, it is the second-largest lake in Jammu & Kashmir. The mirror-like Dal Lake reflects the snow-dusted peaks of the Pir Panjal mountains while the colourful shikaras (gondolas) float around. The houseboats and shikaras are its main attractions.
The Dal Lake of Srinagar is also popular for the floating market (known as Raad) where vendors have their own Shikaras and are not shy of approaching tourists with their most endearing handicrafts, saffron, edibles and even ice-creams in tow. Ice skating during winter on the frozen Dal Lake also attracts many tourists.
The important attractions in and around the Dal Lake include the Island of Char Chinar, Nagin Lake, Chashme Shahi, Shankaracharya Temple, Hari Parbat, Hazratbal Shrine, and Mazar-e-Shura Cemetery. A sweeping view of the lake can be witnessed from the shores of one of the Mughal Gardens.
During the winter season the lake sometimes freezes over. Water hyacinths and silt are the major problems affecting the lake. Most of the shore of the Lake is a boulevard, lined with Mughal-era gardens, parks, and high-end hotels.
Dal Lake is situated on the outskirts of Srinagar and is a vast expanse of water, five miles long and nearly half a mile broad (Previously 9 miles long). It is divided by causeways into several portions, each of which has a number of minor offshoots with floating gardens. The lake is surrounded on all sides by places of picturesque beauty and charm. As we start from the Dal Gate along the famous boulevard, the replica of Marine Drive, we see on our right a pyramidal hill, one thousand feet in height, at the top of which stands the ancient stone temple of splendid charm.